Alex McLeish has vowed to win back the Tartan Army as he declared the Scotland job his destiny.

McLeish insists he still has unfinished business as he was paraded at Hampden yesterday, more than a decade after he walked out on the national team to join Birmingham City.

The SFA turned to the 59-year-old after being snubbed by Michael O’Neill and Walter Smith and the former Rangers boss and Aberdeen defensive legend has signed a two-year deal and been ordered to qualify for Euro 2020.

Read More

“There’s unfinished business. When I left last time I wondered if I would get another chance to be involved in something spectacular in terms of qualifying for a finals.

“It’s looking that way now, because we haven’t been at a tournament for 22 years. It’s something of a massive feat but it is within our grasp.”

McLeish succeeded Smith in 2007 and came within minutes of leading the team to UEFA Euro 2008. He recorded seven victories from ten matches in charge, the highest win percentage of any Scotland boss.

He led Scotland to a memorable 1-0 win over France in Paris, but stunned the Tartan Army and his own Hampden bosses when he walked out in November 2007 for a job in the Premiership after the qualification draw in Durban for the 2010 World Cup.

His first match in charge will be at Hampden on March 23 against Costa Rica, followed by a trip to Hungary four days later.

Alex McLeish is unveiled to the media by SFA President Alan McRae

McLeish added: “I did a lot of fire-fighting in England, but I also had quite a lot of success and I’ve got a lot of experience.

“It’s the same with the squad - we have a lot of young guys coming through but you can’t throw them all in at once.

“You have to let them mature and make mistakes. But they are coming along brilliantly. It’s a great period for the young players to try and make an impact.

“Of course, we also need the nous of the experienced guys.

“In terms of destiny, I just feel it’s the right time for me. I feel I’m a better manager now. The common sense factor grows in you and you see things from a different perspective.”